Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Stewardship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses expanding Adopt A Park program and commission-led recruitment
Summary
Vice Chair Sarah Ferry and parks staff reviewed the city’s Adopt A Park program, which enlists volunteer groups to do litter pickup, landscaping and minor trail maintenance. Commissioners discussed recruitment, signage and commission involvement; no formal action was taken.
The Parks, Aquatics, Recreation and Trails Commission discussed strategies May 21 to expand the Adopt A Park program and increase volunteer stewardship of city parks.
Parks staff described the program structure: volunteer groups fill out an application identifying the park or park segment they will adopt; staff provide trash bags, tools and logistical support; after a year of participation the city posts a sign recognizing the adopter. The presenter said groups have donated improvements in the past but any permanent improvements require City Council approval.
Vice Chair Sarah Ferry said she requested the agenda item as a "passion project" and urged the commission to help recruit volunteers, suggesting outreach to local schools and organizations. Parks staff named current adopters, identified parks with open needs such as Lewis Kingman Park and Centennial Park, and said staff member Matt Golder coordinates the program and supplies equipment for volunteer events.
Commissioners and staff discussed promotion ideas including city digital billboards, social media, stickers on trash cans, event tabling at First Friday and outreach at recreation events. Staff noted there are some adopt-a-park signs but not enough, and that signage costs and clutter are a consideration.
No motion or formal direction to staff was recorded. Commissioners asked staff to prepare an inventory of existing signage and suggested the commission could take a more active role in recruitment and outreach; staff said they would return with additional information at a future meeting.
